Arctic Loon vs Pacific Loon
Gavia arctica compared with Gavia pacifica
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Loon | Pacific Loon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gavia arctica | Gavia pacifica |
| Order | Gaviiformes | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae | Gaviidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 57.2 cm (22.5 in) | 58.2 cm (22.9 in) |
| Weight | 2955.0 g (104.23 oz) | 1756.1666666666667 g (61.95 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-3 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Arctic Loon
Least Concern
Pacific Loon
About These Birds
Arctic Loon
Arctic Loon, 58–73 cm, breeds across Eurasian boreal and Arctic lakes from Scotland to Siberia, wintering on European and Asian coasts. Black head with green iridescence, bold white flank patch, chequered black-and-white back in breeding plumage. Piscivore; dives to 60 m. Migratory.
Pacific Loon
Pacific Loon, 58–74 cm, breeds on Arctic tundra lakes across Alaska and northern Canada, wintering off the Pacific coast to Baja California. Very similar to Arctic Loon but smaller, with a pale grey nape and purple-green throat patch. Piscivore; dives in coastal seas. Forms large flocks on migration.